For daily wit & wisdom, get the Almanac newsletter.
Gardening Advice
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a houseplant—not real bamboo! It’s popular because of its ability to grow in low light in the home or office. Learn more about how to care for Lucky Bamboo for years of good health and fortune!What Is Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)?The plant we commonly call lucky bamboo isn’t a type of bamboo at all. Despite its appearance, lucky bamboo (D…
Some flowers prefer winter sowing. (Yes, in the snow!) Learn which flower varieties need an extended period of cold to germinate and how to winter-sow outside in recycled milk jugs in January or February to jump-start a beautiful flower garden (and do it for pennies).What Is Winter Sowing?Those of us in cold climates don’t usually think of January and February as times to plant seeds…
This time of year, Christmas wreaths are hung in every place imaginable—from doors and fences to lampposts and windows—even the front grill of the car! How did a round bit of greenery come to symbolize the holidays?Wreaths are part of many ancient traditions dating back to the earliest civilizations. The circle is a symbol of immortality; throughout history, wreaths have been associated…
How long do garden seeds last? How do you tell if your old seeds are still good? Let’s find out!Wintertime is the season when these questions matter. The gorgeous seed catalogs arrive in the mail, tempting you with beautiful photographs.But before you go crazy, it’s time to inventory your leftover seeds to avoid duplication and determine viability.How Long Do Vegetable…
A new year means a brand-new growing season. Winter’s quiet may not be as exciting as summer’s first tomato ripening or spring’s first flower opening, but it’s a time of promise, optimism, and a tangible sense of opportunity. Here are my eight gardening resolutions. I hope they inspire your plans!My garden has disappeared under a thin coverlet of white, which,…
If you have curious indoor cats, you know how hard it can be to keep cats out of houseplants. From knocking over pots to nibbling leaves, cats and houseplants don’t always coexist peacefully. Here are tips on keeping your cats out of your houseplants!I’ve also written about how I keep my cats away from the outdoor garden.First, and most importantly, make sure that none of your plants are toxic to…
Before you pour salt on your driveways to melt snow and ice, consider its impact on your plants, pets, pavement, and water quality. Explore seven less harmful ways to melt ice—as well as ways to use less salt!Rock salt (sodium chloride) has been the conventional choice to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks as salt has a lower freezing point than water. Rock salt is effective to…
Are you decking your halls? Go natural this Christmas! It’s time for nature’s greenery to make a comeback. Look no further than your backyard and garden for a ready source of interesting foliage, berries, dried flower heads, and seedpods. Discover our ideas, straight from nature! Take a holiday from spending. Beauty is everywhere, including outside your own window…
Who doesn’t treasure Hawaii? It’s a group of tropical islands filled with a stunning variety of flora and fauna! Say aloha to these 22 tropical beauties! (And, yes, you can grow some of these flowers for your own garden paradise!)Hawaii’s Floral DiversityAbout 1,000 species of plants are native to Hawaii, and about half of those are found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, almost one…
Bonsai may look delicate and demanding, but beginners can successfully grow these miniature trees by choosing the right plant and learning a few essential techniques. Bonsai are not naturally dwarf trees—they are ordinary woody plants shaped through pruning, wiring, root care, and thoughtful container growing.Learn how to choose a beginner-friendly bonsai, determine whether it belongs…
These days, many of us find our Christmas trees at a garden supply store or a local church, selling them as a fundraiser. Ever wonder where they get the trees? Christmas tree farms, of course! But it’s not always easy. Growing Christmas trees is similar to producing any other agricultural crop. It’s serious business that requires a lot of hard work over the years! Learn more about our…
Why not try your hand at creating a terrarium? These miniature gardens under glass have been experiencing a revival—and we can see why. It’s a mini ecosystem at work. An entire forest in a jar! Learn how to make a terrarium in 5 steps and bring joy all year long.What Are Terrariums?Originally popularized during the Victorian era, terrariums have made a big comeback. A terrarium is a…
